They've Pulled the Rug Out...

[mary]

...from under me on our new church effort. After the article appeared in the paper yesterday, all of a sudden, this afternoon, I'm getting phone calls and e-mails from our township, telling us that they're "withdrawing" the permission they had previously given us to use the museum for the informational meeting and worship service June 5-6. "Separation of church and state," they say. "You may not use township facilities for this purpose!"

No: maybe they got a call from a little weasel with a U. K. accent - or someone he put up to doing it. :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

As of right now, we have nowhere to meet - and I can't get hold of anyone from the denomination because General Assembly is being held this week and they're all "across the pond." The location is in the paper; it's been on the Internet for weeks - and now this.

These gates of hell will not prevail, however: I have a call in to Liberty Counsel in Washington, DC. I'm going to talk to an attorney and we'll see what happens next...

mary

[areopa]

Mary,

This may be a matter of picking your battles, but you have a constitutional right to meet in public facilities for something like this. My recommendation would be to contact ADF and they would likely assign an attorney to help you...something like that might even be resolved by a phone call or letter by them:

http://www.alliancedefensefund.org

However, it might be more advantageous to meet in a home at least temporarily even if you've been advertising elsewhere. Likely the people you're going to attract initially know you or the others personally anyway.

[mary]

Dear Rev. Johnson,

Thank you very much for your reply. I've just been to the ADF website and likely will be contacting them.

The hostility to the real Gospel in the Detroit metropolitan area is palpable, virulent, vicious and incredible. The stark fact is that it isn't preached anywhere here. That's why this has happened, and that's why yes, you're probably right: we'll have to meet in homes for awhile.

Whoever is responsible for this hasn't heard the last of it, however. I'm still an affiliate member of the Michigan State Bar Association. I can still use the oral advocacy and writing skills that the Lord gave me on behalf of His kingdom (where once, before He saved me, I used them in the capacity of being a plaintiff and criminal defense lawyers' "hired gun").

I'm angry now - but this isn't my fight, really. It's the Lord's. Those who oppose Him will face Him someday... I pray for His mercy on them.

May the Lord bless you richly for your blessing of others, Rev. Johnson.

mary

[abbey]

I have no advice, im not to smart, but I pray for you that these trials will cease and your dream of a new church succeed!

Love abbey

[mary]

(((((Abbey!)))))

Thank you... I'm just praying for YOU, dear little gal...!

Praying for those biopsy results... Please, please let us know, okay? Oh, my, am I pulling for you!!!!!

Love,

mary

[Anna Marta]

The enemy retaliates!

This is really really exciting an honest to goodness spiritual battle that depends totally on God.

Mary you are "chosen" and I am so honored to know you.

Love
Leah

[Ladybug]

(((Mary))))

Yes the gates of hell shell not prevaile and the battle belongs to the Lord. I'd suggest meeting in homes like the New Testament church did in the Book of Acts.

In the mean time, I'd be standing for my constitutional rights as far as public ally meeting. Don't let those in "authority" run over you. I know you'll go prepared and "everything will be done decently and in order."

I'll be holding you up in prayer and let me know how things progress.

[mary]

Thank you so much, Ladybug, Anna Marta, Abbey and all for your support and your prayers!

Only one person came to our meet-and-greet tonight. Not even our son bothered to come! What a waste of time and effort - and I didn't have it to spare.

Late this afternoon, I found out that because in the article, I had told the interviewer that I once was a Catholic "but wasn't happy in the Catholic Church," the Catholic township clerk became enraged and THAT'S why we are not permitted to meet in the museum - or anywhere else in this township except for our home. Who knows? Maybe they'll get wind of it and send the cops over here to break it up! :mad:

I also found out that the township clerk (who my husband and I know) spent her day today sending out noxious e-mails to everyone we know mutually, denouncing me and ripping me to shreds.

This is what we're up against, everyone. But we must remind ourselves that the gates of hell will NOT prevail against Christ's church. All I'm trying to do is get a church going that preaches the Gospel and is not abusive! All I wanted, really, was something that exalts Jesus Christ!!!! This would be unique around here. He is my all, my everything, my Alpha and Omega, my Prophet, Priest and Precious King.

If this is what being a Christian in today's society around here is all about, I would rather go home. Aplastic anemia: gear up! Now!

mary

[Elisabeth]

Thank you so much, Ladybug, Anna Marta, Abbey and all for your support and your prayers!

Only one person came to our meet-and-greet tonight. Not even our son bothered to come! What a waste of time and effort - and I didn't have it to spare.

Late this afternoon, I found out that because in the article, I had told the interviewer that I once was a Catholic "but wasn't happy in the Catholic Church," the Catholic township clerk became enraged and THAT'S why we are not permitted to meet in the museum - or anywhere else in this township except for our home. Who knows? Maybe they'll get wind of it and send the cops over here to break it up! :mad:

I also found out that the township clerk (who my husband and I know) spent her day today sending out noxious e-mails to everyone we know mutually, denouncing me and ripping me to shreds.

This is what we're up against, everyone. But we must remind ourselves that the gates of hell will NOT prevail against Christ's church. All I'm trying to do is get a church going that preaches the Gospel and is not abusive! All I wanted, really, was something that exalts Jesus Christ!!!! This would be unique around here. He is my all, my everything, my Alpha and Omega, my Prophet, Priest and Precious King.

If this is what being a Christian in today's society around here is all about, I would rather go home. Aplastic anemia: gear up! Now!

mary

Sounds to me like you are facing a very few people with way too much power in the community.:mad: Too bad about your meet and greet, but that's just a first step.:( Don't get too discouraged about it. Praying for you!:D

[mary]

Sounds to me like you are facing a very few people with way too much power in the community.:mad: Too bad about your meet and greet, but that's just a first step.:( Don't get too discouraged about it. Praying for you!:D

I thank you for your kind note, Elisabeth...

But no, I'm done. I want the aplastic anemia that I've had for so many years finally to have its way. I'm tired of its symptoms and of the chemo. complications (the avascular necrosis).

I'm tired of doing for people who don't give a flying flip.

This is, finally, too much. To be slandered and smeared in a community I've lived in for decades... NO!

I want to go home. I pray to go home. I'm way more than ready. I've had enough abuse, enough rejection, enough physical pain, enough cancer, even - enough of everything.

Please, Father, bring me to You!!!!

[Elisabeth]

I thank you for your kind note, Elisabeth...

But no, I'm done. I want the aplastic anemia that I've had for so many years finally to have its way. I'm tired of its symptoms and of the chemo. complications (the avascular necrosis).

I'm tired of doing for people who don't give a flying flip.

This is, finally, too much. To be slandered and smeared in a community I've lived in for decades... NO!

I want to go home. I pray to go home. I'm way more than ready. I've had enough abuse, enough rejection, enough physical pain, enough cancer, even - enough of everything.

Please, Father, bring me to You!!!!

((((Mary))))

Read 1Kings 19.

Beth

[butterfly]

Oh Mary

I am so sorry that this is happening to you.

You have done your best the battle field is roaring it seems like your are losing.

But remeber dear sister in Christ God is on your side. You have our prayers.

Does that lady go to church?
She should be slaped with a slander suit.

I was just thinking the Lord will not let these peoples evil against you be unanswered. He will deal with them in His timing.

Some of my abusers have been punished.

I know you want to go home . I just want to let you know I would miss you alot not being on the forum.

Mary I do know how it feels to want to die and go home. There are days I say " God kill me let me die I have had enough I just can"t take anymore."

It is like being broken in pieces they are big enough for me to put myself back toghter.

Then I get to a point I am broken into to many little pieces.

That is when I am my weakest. To much energy to go on.

I pray you will beable to pick up your pieces and have enough to mend yourself.

Love and Hug shiley

[Jerry]

...from under me on our new church effort. After the article appeared in the paper yesterday, all of a sudden, this afternoon, I'm getting phone calls and e-mails from our township, telling us that they're "withdrawing" the permission they had previously given us to use the museum for the informational meeting and worship service June 5-6. "Separation of church and state," they say. "You may not use township facilities for this purpose!"

No: maybe they got a call from a little weasel with a U. K. accent - or someone he put up to doing it. :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

As of right now, we have nowhere to meet - and I can't get hold of anyone from the denomination because General Assembly is being held this week and they're all "across the pond." The location is in the paper; it's been on the Internet for weeks - and now this.

These gates of hell will not prevail, however: I have a call in to Liberty Counsel in Washington, DC. I'm going to talk to an attorney and we'll see what happens next...

mary
Dear Mary,,,
Call "Jay Secalo" at the "Center for Law and Justice".....It is connected to the 700 club,,,,,,,,,,but it is one of the things they do right ;)
Love Jerry

[Jerry]

Dear Mary,,,,
Call the Newspaper,,,,,,,,I am sure they will want an explaination from the City Fathers,,,,,,,,,,Then watch the fun,,,,,,,,,,like snapping on a light in a kitchen full of cockroches :D
Love Jerry

[Carmen]

Good idea Jerry! :)

((((MARY)))) I'm so sorry this has happened! :( :mad: It could be that pastorpoo is behind it. Unfortunately people tend to believe pastors over laymen as sources of reliable information. That creates a terrible inbalance of power and influence. :mad:

Don't give up, Mary! Even if just a few or even one come at the beginning, it takes a while for any group to start up. I'm praying that God will send support and friends your way.

Contact my parent's pastor and ask him for ideas where you could meet, I'm sure he must have some suggestions or know someone with more experience that you could ask. I know they like to meet in a public place once a week and once in a home. You used to be in the legal branch, maybe you know someone who could inform you along those lines?

[Anna Marta]

Dear Tired, disappointed, pissed off and depressed Mary,

Yep, what you predicted did happen, only it has come from a source you didn't know about it. Now comes the fight and you want to lay down and die. You sound like Gideon - and you know what happened to him in order to prove God's strength. Do you think God is going to allow you to start a fight and then run away? This is his battle and you are part of the army.

The town clerk is breaking the law. She is NOT allowed to use her public office to obstruct public use of a facility for personal reasons. Hopefully you can get a hold of at least one of her e-mails. Let the lawyers do their job.

But you did learn a lesson, right? What to say and not to say to the press. All part of your education in this new area.

This is why it is so tough for us wounded people to get in the fray - our skin is still so thin. You didn't start this to please anybody or for revenge. You started it because you believed God wanted it and you put yourself as point man in a battle. They always get shot at first! This is not a direct attack against YOU, remember that all the time :D

I am praying for you big girl. That street fighting little lawyer's dirty trickster is just waiting to use her skills for good now!

Hugs and prayers
Anna Marta

[Reg]

Dear Dear (((((((Mary)))))),

What a lovely spirit you have. God is well pleased. Yes, we are in a real battle and the enemy has
many on his side who want to suppress the truth. I pray you will realize that God may be sparing
you from some other injury to your spirit. You have given it your best. Please be satisfied with
that. It seems that God’s way is starting something like a mustard seed. Perhaps your
dream/vision may still happen. Ladybug pointed out that house churches were the model in the
early church. That may be the mustard seed way to go.

I feel so bad for you and what a HUGE disappointment this must be. We are here for you in your
time of need.

[mary]

Thank you so much, everyone. I am deeply humbled by the fact that you cared - and you wrote! You are tremendous blessings to me, each and every one of you!!! I thank and praise the Lord for His gift to me of Anna Marta, Butterfly, Reg, Jerry, Abbey, Ladybug, Carmen, Elisabeth - and everyone else! Galatians 6:2, 10 are alive and well in this forum!

Jerry, I have spoken with an attorney from Liberty Counsel and have complied with her requests to forward to her all of the subject e-mails. She will be getting back with me this morning, she told me. I did try the ADF, but you have to fill out an e-mail form and then it takes some time for them to get back with you. And time is what we don't have.

I do think, Carmen, that you're right that "pastor-poo" (I love that!) was behind this to some extent. When my husband went to Township Hall yesterday and asked whether someone with a particular accent had complained, the man got royally embarrassed and wouldn't answer his question.

I read Psalm 31 and John 16 this morning. Yes, we are fighting against principalities and powers. Yes, we are being persecuted, but in that, we identify with the most precious Name in the universe! Yep, we all have our Elijah moments and our Gethsemanes, but the Lord brings us through. We are to rejoice even in them, for in doing so, we show our kinship with Him.

We got another e-mail from a township official late last night in which he stated that we shouldn't be permitted the use of the museum because it must first be "secured" against people like us so that "nothing is stolen." Of course, they think that because we're Christians, we must first be presumed to be common thieves! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

My husband doesn't know it, but I did respond to the township official who wrote that little tidbit. And I wasn't "Little Mary Sunshine" in my response. This is nothing to be proud of, but the fact is that almost no one who initiates a verbal firefight with me doesn't wind up in a "burn unit." Okay, so my Lord and Savior didn't fight back - but in fighting back, I'm fighting for the reputation of His Church (not for a particular denomination, not even the one I'm trying to bring here). There is no cost too great to bear in defense of Christ and the body of believers that He has here.

If I'd had that interview to do over again, I still would have said what I said. All I said, when the reporter asked what my past religious affiliation was, was that I was raised Catholic but wasn't happy there. So -- if I should be persecuted for that, what about the thousands upon thousands around here and elsewhere with the same history? For that, I am taken apart like a clock?! No, Carmen, I think you're also right. Both things (the past Catholicism reference and "pastor-poo") figured into this.

This is still unfolding. I "bcc'ed" the township supervisor, a devout Christian, on everything I sent. We shall see what happens...

May the Lord bless and keep every single one of you, bring you healing where you need it most, and shower you and your families with His finest today and always...

Love,

mary

[Anna Marta]

GO GIRL!!! :cool:

Prayer is under your wings. SOOOOOOOO proud of you!!! I loved the part where your husband asked if the person had an accent. :D

Love
Anna Marta

[SpinningHead]

Just saw this...:(

I work for a town government department (fire department) in which town people can petition to use the facilities for whatever uses (car washes, seminars, classes, etc). They just have to fill out the application, see that the building is available on the schedule & meet w/ town officials to discuss any potential concerns/harms.

Separation of Church & State means that the town departments cannot conduct a "church" related service themselves on town property but that doesn't mean the tax payers cannot schedule time in a public building to hold a "church" related service of their own.

So sorry this is happening to you. :(

[mary]

Just saw this...:(

I work for a town government department (fire department) in which town people can petition to use the facilities for whatever uses (car washes, seminars, classes, etc). They just have to fill out the application, see that the building is available on the schedule & meet w/ town officials to discuss any potential concerns/harms.

Separation of Church & State means that the town departments cannot conduct a "church" related service themselves on town property but that doesn't mean the tax payers cannot schedule time in a public building to hold a "church" related service of their own.

So sorry this is happening to you. :(

Thanks, SpinningHead! You're right, according to the law -- but there are loopholes, apparently, and we ran into one.

My husband and I just had a 3-way conversation with an attorney from Liberty Counsel, who was rushing to get to Jerry Falwell's funeral. Basically, he told us, the Township can do this to us because the museum had never been used - as far as we know - for a religious-related purpose before; we had only oral, not written, permission and we hadn't paid any money yet. It wasn't very nice, he said, for them to wait until the events are only two weeks away, but he thought they were "within their rights" to do it.

So we have to move the meeting and service to an out-of-the-way little dump of an old schoolhouse, and we had to pay a fat rental fee for it - but we have a place to meet. Someone is going to have to be posted at the museum to tell people where to go because the new site is about 4 miles away. I'm going to have to go in there with buckets and mops and who knows what else in order to make it presentable... And my hematologist says I should be using a cane or a walker to minimize the continuing bleeding in my left hip???? HA!!! That's out the window. :( Well, I'm to see my surgeon a week from today...

We live in a township with a lot of creepy people, that's for sure. :eek: I wish I could post the name of it on here, but I won't.

Thanks again, everyone. Your prayers and support have meant so very much...!

Love to all,

mary

[Elisabeth]

We live in a township with a lot of creepy people, that's for sure. :eek: I wish I could post the name of it on here, but I won't.




Politics and the way people interact in smaller towns and communities! The church I was SA'd in so badly is in a small town, and that town is where I lived many years of my life in and am going back to, so I know what that's like. You probably don't have any more creepy people than average; you probably just have the creepy people in positions where they have too much power and influence! :p

[mary]

Politics and the way people interact in smaller towns and communities! The church I was SA'd in so badly is in a small town, and that town is where I lived many years of my life in and am going back to, so I know what that's like. You probably don't have any more creepy people than average; you probably just have the creepy people in positions where they have too much power and influence! :p

You are absolutely right, Elisabeth! Creepy people in high places! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Actually, this is not such a small community. There are 80,000 people living in my suburb alone, and 60,000 of them are Catholics. Most of the surrounding suburbs have Catholic majorities, and they're large, too. So I said in the newspaper article that I wasn't happy in the Catholic Church, as I mentioned above... I pissed a lot of people off, most notably our illustrious township clerk, who apparently thinks she's the pope of this Catholic theocracy of a township. Well, excu-u-u-se me! Last time I looked at the Constitution, Protestants were included in the First Amendment... But the day is likely coming when we won't be.

Since I've been saved, people have called me a snake-handler, a holy roller, a Bible-thumper, a Jesus freak, a religious nut, a "traitor," and a whole bunch of other things that I can't put in this post. Most of the people who've called me these names were (1) Catholics or (2) rabbinic Jews. I have never responded back; I just "consider the source." Jesus said that the servant is not greater than his (or her) master; if they persecuted Him, they'll persecute us if we bear His name. This should be a happy day! :D So some Catholic Township Pope/Clerk spent her workday yesterday typing out libelous e-mails against me - for being quoted in the paper as wanting to bring the Gospel here. Yesss!!!! :p :p :p

Everything's fine... Better than fine... :)

mary